By Myra Bean

With the district championship on the line, South Panola and Tupelo gave it their all on the softball diamond last Wednesday night.

With the 6-3 loss, Tupelo drew even with the Lady Tigers for the district title. The deciding game will be between Oxford and South Panola Thursday night at Lady Tiger Field.

South Panola also lost to Grenada  in a 5-0 shutout for the third time this season. Grenada was hosting its Strikeout For Cancer (SOFC) game.

The Lady Tigers (9-11-1 overall, 4-1 district) took a 3-0 lead in top of the first inning. That is all the offense Tupelo (15-4, 5-1) would allow.

South Panola got four hits from KJ Hentz, Molly Seay, Avery Seay and Makayla Ales. The Lady Tigers committed three errors which eventually led to runs for Tupelo.

Hentz came through with a single to left field driving home both Bailey Ware and Bailey Russell for the 2-0 lead.  Molly Seay grounded out to first, driving Layla Davis (courtesy runner)  home for the 3-0 lead.

Kaitlyn Tidwell got the start on the mound. Rebekah Cook pitched the fourth and part of the fifth in relief and then Tidwell returned to finish the game.

Tidwell had three strikeouts, three hits and one run. Cook allowed five runs, five hits, two walks and struck out one.

The Lady Tigers will host Oxford tonight at 5 and 6 p.m. for the final game of the regular and to determine the district champs.

Cutline:   Lady Tiger Rebekah Cook delivers a pitch last week against Oxford.  SP Fastpitch will play for the district title Thursday when they host Oxford. (Bruce Newman)